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New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson’s sister called out ESPN after personality Stephen A. Smith took aim at her brother’s team and best friend, Josh Hart, during a “First Take” segment.
Smith called out Hart, Brunson’s teammate and “Roommates Show” podcast co-host, as the Knicks have struggled in recent games, especially against NBA teams with an above-.500 record.
Erica Brunson, Jalen’s sister, took time to post to X on Wednesday, where she ripped the “Worldwide Leader” after listening to Smith’s rant about the Knicks.
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Jalen Brunson and Erica Brunson attend Haute Living Jalen Brunson Cover Celebration with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management and Mijenta Tequila at Avra Rockefeller on Oct. 26, 2024 in New York City. (Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images)
“I used to always have ESPN on in the background during the day,” Erica Brunson wrote on X. “It was such a staple growing up. Now? I never turn it on. And this is a big reason why. Utterly ridiculous.”
The post was prompted by a video capturing Smith’s rant about the Knicks, who have now lost three straight games.
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While the team is in playoff position, Smith aimed right at Hart.
“A message to Josh Hart: Do I need to shut the hell up now? Does it make sense what I was saying now? I mean, you’re getting it now?” Smith said. “You haven’t won a game since you clapped back at me. You’re on a losing streak since he talked back to me. Maybe if you prioritize what I was saying, and pay attention to the substance and veracity of my comments instead of protecting your boys, you’d be winning games when you go up against teams that are better than .500 with their record.
“Do I make sense now? Because I ain’t getting personal. I’m talking basketball, because every time you go up against somebody who’s relatively respectable, you’re wetting the bed. You’re like 4-8, or 4-9, against winning teams since the All-Star break. But you’re 9-0 against sub-.500 teams. Well, who the hell you think you’re going to be playing come playoff time?”
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
The Knicks may be struggling in recent outings, but they’re still winners in seven of their last 10 contests. But Smith added the struggles are coming against teams they will see in the playoffs very soon.
“The New York Knicks are literally a couple of weeks away from the playoffs starting, and Josh Hart is on camera talking about, ‘We’re moving in the wrong direction. You know, what gotta get our stuff together.’ We’re looking at a team that still doesn’t have a definitive identity. We’re looking at a team that New York Knicks fans know are talented, know they’re playoff caliber,” Smith said.
Like her brother, Erica Brunson went to Villanova, graduating in 2023 with a degree in communications and a minor in education. She currently works at CAA, Jalen’s agency, in basketball client and marketing services.
Stephen A. Smith joined Bill Maher on the Mar. 27 episode of “Real Time,” discussing politics and who could potentially lead both parties going forward. (Real Time with Bill Maher/YouTube)
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The Knicks have just six regular-season games remaining before the playoffs begin. They currently sit third in Eastern Conference standings, only behind the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics.
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